Meet the Staff

All staff members are certified in Pet First Aid and CPR

Whitney Doremus, owner of Dogs At Play and SuperDogs Positive Pet Dog Training

Whitney Doremus began teaching dog obedience classes while working at Petsmart in Gainesville, FL in 1997. A desire to learn more brought her to renowned trainer, Dee ZurBurg and her training school Class Act For Dogs. Whitney spent a year working closely and learning from Dee while teaching classes, pet sitting, and consulting in private lessons. In January of 1999 Whitney moved to Wilmington where she took a position at Dogtrain, Inc. Over the three years Whitney taught for Dogtrain she also began work on opening a doggy daycare. Dogs At Play was opened in October of 2001. Since then Whitney has continued teaching through Dogs At Play and her new training program, SuperDogs Positive Pet Dog Training.

She is active with the Association of Pet Dog Trainers and an affiliate member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. In September of 2003 Whitney became a Certified Pet Dog Trainer. Whitney writes the Oh Behave! Column for Paw Prints Magazine, is a member of the Animal Control Advisory Board, The Dangerous Dog Panel, and is involved with the Wilmington Dog Park Committee. She attends dog behavior seminars throughout the year to ensure up-to-date information regarding positive pet dog training and dog behavior. More than anything, Whitney loves to teach people and to train dogs.

Cathy Kalista, General Manager since 2002

Cathy Kalista has been involved in the dog world since she could walk. Born into it, she has shown everything from Bearded Collies to Miniature Poodles. Cathy has put dozens of AKC Championship titles on many different breeds. She is a member of the Hanover Kennel Club as well as the Central Carolina Dachshund Club. She currently lives with six Standard Longhaired Dachshunds, four of whom have earned their AKC Champion titles. Cathy spends most of her weekends showing dogs in conformation and attending earthdog trials. She is currently working toward a field trial championship.

Cathy helped fund her college education by petsitting in the Wilmington area. Her knowledge of dog behavior and health put her services in high demand. As the manager of Pet Food City for several years Cathy advised countless dog owners on nutrition, health, and the best products for their canine kids. In June of 2002 Cathy began working with Dogs At Play. She proved her skills with the dogs and their owners very quickly. Within months she took the position of General Manager. Over the years Cathy’s dog experience has proved invaluable.

Denise Pittman, Weekend Manager since 2004

After years of working in restaurants Denise began working part-time with Dogs At Play in addition to her restaurant work. Within just a few months Denise quit the restaurant world for good to work full-time in the dog world. Denise graduated from UNCW in May of 2003 with a degree in Marine Biology and a Minor in Psychology. Her psychology background has proved helpful in her overall understanding of how dogs learn and communicate. Her calm demeanor and endless patience have made her a natural with the dogs. Over the years she has shown a tremendous amount dedication to her job and to our visitors.

Playground Supervisors

J.P. Doney, since 2005

J.P. is currently attending UNCW to finish a degree in education. He shows kindness and affection toward every dog and human he interacts with. J.P. is a joy to work with and the dogs LOVE him!

Lacie Nyenhuis, since 2006

Lacie is our newest addition and we are thrilled to have her! She has shown immediate interest and understanding of dog behavior. She is currently a student at UNCW working toward a degree in biology on a path to becoming a veterinary technician.